Proposal for all public spaces to provide familiarisation video to improve accessibility.

What it is

A familiarisation video to make public spaces more accessible to all.

Aim

To allow people with physical, mental and emotional impairments to familiarise themselves with a venue or public space before access. In hopes of making public spaces more accessible by allowing forward planning.

What difference will this make, and who will it help

This familiarisation video will allow people to view the venue before visiting, allowing them to plan their visit and make arrangements for reasonable adjustments to be made should they be required. It would significantly reduce people's anxiety that experience barriers with access to public spaces and services, especially individuals who live with physical, mental and emotional impairments (i.e. Autism, Dementia, wheelchair users, people with mental illness) and their carers or support network. It would enable individuals to make sure the venue is suitable to their needs before attending, alleviating possible anxiety, embarrassment, distress, and disappointment.

How it will be accomplished

A video will be created by the organisation or person responsible for the public space. This video would be made available on their own website, social media platforms and made readily available to be sent by email if requested (special considerations would also need to be made for people unable to access these, in which case a DVD format would be available under special circumstances.)

The video would include as many sensory aspects as possible and terrain that needs to be travelled.

The video would start with the drop off point or carpark, showing any disabled parking bays, the terrain and the distance that would need to be travelled to reach the entrance.

The entrance, what type of opening it is, any queuing system and one way systems or social distancing etc.

The video would then show

·        Reception, customer service or check-in point

·        How to sign in, track and trace, temperature checks etc.

·        The way around the venue, any one way systems, offices, smaller rooms, tills, toilets, all other entrances and exits, including steps, ramps or other etc.

·        Seating – where and what kind of seating, how many seats available (please consider disabilities and the need for sturdy chairs with no arms)

·        Toilets and disabled facilities – what facilities there are, where, how they can be accessed if a key is needed, where can this be accessed, how the equipment works, what to do in an emergency, what will happen if call button used, how much space is available for wheelchair and carer, how to report issues.

·        Lifts and escalators – where they are, and if they need permission to access and how to do that, safety precautions. What to do if the lift is out of order.

·        Fire exits – where they are, where the assembly point is and how to get to it. What to do if on the upper floor and there is an emergency (wheelchair users or poor mobility)

·        What disabled facilities are available – quiet spaces, hearing loops, braille, translator services, shopping assistant, ramps, concessions, special rates for disabled or carers, mobility scooter or wheelchair etc. How to access these, how they work and who to contact if any issues.

·        Where the first aid points are.

·        Who to contact should reasonable adjustments be required to enable access.

·        If there are any protective clothing or equipment that needs to be worn, is this provided, if so where from

·        Any other guidance people should be aware of when accessing the venue (i.e. Masks, social distancing, one way systems, adverse weather guidance etc.)

·        For staff – all the above and staff-only areas to be given the same considerations.

 

For venues where exhibits, artwork, shows etc., are not to be recorded or made digitally available, such elements can be distorted and edited.

The video should be recorded at a quiet time to allow for clear directions.

However, a section will need to be included showing a busier time to demonstrate noise levels and types of noise, including background noise, lighting, display screens and tannoys and general movement of people, machinery, tools and equipment in the area.

 

Who needs to be involved?

Policy and legislation makers

Local council, members of parliament and Assembly members

Influencers

Business owners

Managers

Health care services

Public health services

Education services

Employers

Proprietors

People with impairments

Carers

Charities

Third sector services

 

My Story

I am a Wife and Mum of 2 teenagers. I have spent most of my life living with severe anxiety and depression, and I have poor mobility and health conditions, all of which impact accessing venues. This issue is not an isolated case; in fact, I have first-hand experience supporting people with mental illness, ASD, ADHD, physical impairments and dementia. I feel these videos would greatly help make the outside world more accessible to everyone with an impairment of some sort. 

For me, this would be life-changing. If I want to go anywhere unfamiliar, I have to do in-depth research of the venue. My anxiety does not allow me to call to discuss my needs, so I find myself searching through Google images for clues to the layout, seating, distance, terrain, disabled facilities etc., that are available. I will expand my search to social media and trip advisor, hoping for further details. I will study Goggle Satellite images to find parking. Only then will I consider sending my Husband to scope the place out in person, usually with me in the car outside, and often using video call so I can see what I need. 

But, this is not foolproof. All too often, I arrive with my family only to discover it is not accessible, and there is a queue, it's too busy, so no seating available, I have misjudged the terrain or distance, and it is beyond my capabilities. So I sit in the car, sometimes for hours, whilst my Husband and Children continue with the plans we had made without me. 

A familiarisation video would allow me to see all the things I need to, so I could fully assess if it is accessible, what reasonable adjustments, support, or equipment I would need beforehand or not attend the venue to avoid unnecessary distress and disappointment, pain and anxiety.

Before Covid-19, I had a shortlist of places I felt comfortable attending. I knew the layout, where everything was, and what support I needed to make it an enjoyable or successful experience. However, since lockdowns and social distancing, my safe places are reduced to ONE, outside of my house or car. The small independent gym I have attended for a few years provided me with a virtual tour to familiarise myself with the regulations and restrictions put in place, making it a safe space for me once again. 

I have cancelled several appointments at the opticians as my anxiety is overwhelming; despite talking to the store, I have no visual idea of what I need to navigate to attend my appointment.

There are a lot of new barriers I have to overcome, on top of the preexisting barriers. 

This is the case for thousands of others struggling with physical, mental and emotional impairments. The familiar bubble we had created for ourselves has been turned upside down and inside out, and we need help to navigate it once again.

So, please, sign this petition, share it far and wide and help me ensure public spaces must provide familiarisation videos to allow better accessibility to all who need it.